Stonewood Grill & Tavern — Restaurant in Florida

We did the unthinkable. We came into the restaurant right before closing time. It was 9:30. We thought they closed at 11, but were informed by the world’s best server, Alex, that they were in fact closing soon and we should order. Instant guilt for the crew… but our group of 3 talked about how where we work, the cooks wouldn’t have been as nice and accommodating. They would have been angry and upset to stay late, rather than make customers happy and feed people up until close our employees would have been hostile. We had just worked an event in the heat all day and we were starving.

Alex really knows how to read people and the room. His professionalism and fun personality made him even more handsome than he looked upon first glance. I was struck by his ability to remember my quirky vegetarian meal that I pieced together through appetizers, veggies, sides and sauce. My coworkers got semi normal meals and coworker1 got a drink at the bar. All of the food came timed perfectly, with Alex’s charm and velvety textured service.

I had a faux-jito (mojito with no booze) and it was not on their menu but very good. The mint was shredded. Not too sweet! I also ordered the Fall Fritters. Excellent! Larger portion than expected and Alex was happy to bring more of the mint yogurt sauce. I had never tried these and they were executed well, not sure if they make them in house, but a nice surprise. I also enjoyed some blue cheese chips while my coworker had the French onion soup. For my meal, I went with the baked potato. Cheese, sour cream and the horseradish sauce. I also had the mushrooms and onions most people eat on steaks- on my potato. Loaded vegetarian potato for the win!!! I had asparagus with the lemon sauce on the side and I finished just about every bite on my plate. My two coworkers had the center cut sirloin with garlic mashed potatoes and a blue cheese wedge salad. We didn’t eat as fast as possible… we did savor the meal, as much as one could, after barely any food all day. Alex brought another drink for coworker1 during the meal. When we were finished Alex brought over my chocolate bread pudding with all the stuff on the side, hold the ice cream. I am trying to avoid dairy, so I skipped it. I had it packed to go to save time. That way I could enjoy a little Mary Jane before my sweets! Coworker1 had a buzz rolling himself and asked about a third drink, with a remark of, “Is the bartender even still here?” And Alex replied, “I don’t think so, but I’ll go make it!” We didn’t really want to order it, but loved the way Alex was happy to get anything done for us with a smile. He dealt with us well and with some superior swagger and I hope that Stonewood appreciates his style and work attitude and ethic. He’s an asset and makes the food pale in comparison.

I have always enjoyed Stonewood. The wine selection and steak used to be my draw. These days I just enjoy the ambiance, the quality and the beautiful way I can create a great plate of vegetarian food and I don’t upset staff or require a special meal to be made. I always feel like I am treated well, no matter how I am dressed, what I order or what time I walk in. Thank you, Alex, for another wonderful time...

I must admit that it's been a little over 5 years since we last visited this restaurant. Our last couple of experiences were less than stellar. It was the inconsistencies with the quality of the prime rib that kept me from returning.

We decided to go back recently for an early birthday dinner. It's conveniently located in our neighborhood. The atmosphere has definitely changed. I noticed it immediately when we entered. It's a smaller staff than before. We remember being greeted right away (even at opening time). This time, there was no one at the reception stand. We waited for a few minutes knowing there was a larger group that was there before us. I believe it was the bartender (maybe the host) who eventually greeted & seated us.

Melissa got everything started with our drink order. She was great! I really liked that she had the right amount of attentiveness. We never had to wave her over for anything. She also confirmed that the pretzel sticks are now an additional charge. To be honest, I never liked them that much anyway.

I didn't get to take a picture of my husband's Wedge Salad. He started eating it right away. I was impressed with my House Salad. It looked and tasted so fresh. He was also happy with his Peach Bourbon Pork Chop, although he did say that the sauce was a little too sweet for him. We both agreed that it was tender, and not dry. It's a good choice. I had the Delmonico Ribeye, and it was prepared and seasoned perfectly. Loved it! I had leftovers the next day, and it was just as tasty. It's my new favorite steak in the area. Our last Texas Roadhouse and Outback steak experiences were horrible. This one at Stonewood is more expensive, but it was worth it. Now, I don't know how it will be the next time so don't quote me on this. As I mentioned before, there have been inconsistencies in the past. However, I will say that the cocktails & service here have always been very good.

I will go back for the steak. I'm not sure that I'd order the Prime Rib again. I'll save that experiment for another day when it's not a special occasion. Give it a try if you happen to be in Brandon. They also have a location in Tampa Palms which appears to be more popular. It's a Florida (originated in Ormond Beach) restaurant chain that has been around for over 20 years. It deserves...

UPDATE ...... i emailed stonewood and i have yet to hear back from anyone ...apparently the service is terrible all around* I am so highly upset and disappointed from the service to the food to the actual quality of food. Tonight was my son’s 15th birthday we had a reservation for 7 people at 5pm. We were sat in a timely manner and our drinks and appetizers were in a normal time range. About 30 min later things picked up in the establishment and it seemed we had been forgotten about which is disappointing with a 20 % gratuity. The server took our order and food arrived a lil over 45 min later 3 out of 7 were incorrect not the right sides or even simple as dressing for salad. Mixed up the way the steaks were supposed to be cooked making my son’s birthday experience even worse that his food had to be sent back and wait some more. We did order some adult drinks that never came and 30 min later told they didn’t have the alcohol we ordered. I was extremely disappointed in my experience and spending $300 dollars and a mandatory $60 dollar tip for terrible service and experience is unreal. I made the waiter aware it was my sons birthday when we sat down but obviously was forgotten then when I brought it up at the end of the meal we were given a choice of a desert that was brought in a to go container no candle on it or anything. Now let’s get to the bill ahhhhhhh we were charged for things we did not order and the food we had to send back…. The bill had to be revised 3 times before it was correct. I have never been so upset with a dining experience and on top of that it was my sons birthday. Needless to say I would not recommend this restaurant or at least this location especially if a...